ASK & DISCUSS
INDEXAre there legal requirements for warnings about flash photography in films? Is there a standard wording?
8 years, 4 months ago - Abigail Clarke
Hi there,
I have been in touch with the BBFC but they are slow to respond.
Is there a legal requirement to include a warning about flash photography at the start of a film?
My feature doc has a couple of scenes where photographers are taking photos of a sporting competition.
Should I include a warning at the start? Is there e standard wording?
Thanks in advance,
Abi
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8 years, 4 months ago - John Lubran
D'ya know I don't know for sure. I imagine that Google could find out. Nevertheless I'd also imagine that there is no legal requirement, if I had to bet my life on it. Given that it's not a legal requirement then the reason that broadcaster forward viewers of flash photography and other similar visual affects is out of concideration and risk aversion. The liability, if any, lies with the the entity actually screening the film not the producer.
Response from 8 years, 4 months ago - John Lubran SHOW
8 years, 4 months ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin
There's no harm in giving the warning, it's considerate of your audience, but I don't believe there's any legal onus. If there was, it would require producers to have medical knowledge.
Response from 8 years, 4 months ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin SHOW
8 years, 4 months ago - Abigail Clarke
Thanks John and Paddy,
I have heard back from the BBFC, there are no legal requirements to include a warning but it is considered best practice to do so. There is not specific wording either but they suggest
"WARNING: This programme contains sequences of flashing lights that might affect those with photosensitive epilepsy."
Thanks again for your replies,
Best wishes
Abi
Response from 8 years, 4 months ago - Abigail Clarke SHOW